Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Hospitality Management Consortium (HBCU-HM Consortium) announced today the launch of Hyatt Hotels Summer Bridge Program for High School Students, a new program aimed at educating aspiring teens on future careers in hospitality and tourism.

Five HBCU universities will host 20 to 25 selected students at their respective campuses for a week long Hospitality Management program, funded by a Hyatt affiliate. Students will have the opportunity to visit local hospitality businesses, listen to industry professionals, learn about the university and its offerings, and participate in hands-on activities that will further educate them on this specialized field.

“We are proud of our strong, longstanding relationship with the HBCU Hospitality Consortium, and the launch of the Summer Bridge Program enhances and validates our commitment to the community and to these schools,” said Sal Mendoza, Vice President of Global Diversity & Inclusion for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

“HBCU has long been about arming local community members with the resources they need for success, and we believe the Hyatt Hotels Summer Bridge Program will do just that,” said Dr. Deanne Williams, HBCU-HM Consortium President. “This program will be hands-on, interactive and invigorating, while demonstrating to these students the many opportunities available to them in the hospitality and tourism field.”

The following universities will be participating in the Hyatt Hotels Summer Bridge Program:

Virginia State University: Program begins June 20th
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore: Program begins June 27th
Tuskegee University: Program begins June 20th
Delaware State University: Program begins June 20th
North Carolina, Central University: Program begins June 20
“We trust that the Summer Bridge Program will provide a platform for our youth to explore a career in Hospitality Management at one of these reputable HBCU institutions,” said Mendoza.  “It is our hope that these students will become future associates at Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world.”